Cantilevered push button having multiple contacts and fulcrums

ABSTRACT

A cantilevered push button adapted for accepting an input on an electrical or electronic device is disclosed. The button can include an elongated button top component disposed about an exterior surface of an electrical or electronic device such that it is accessible to a user, and having two opposing distal ends associated with separate user inputs. A first fulcrum is located between the first distal end and the midpoint of the elongated button top component, while a second fulcrum is located between the second distal end and the midpoint. A first electrical contact is associated with the first distal end, such that when a user presses on the first distal end, the elongated button top component pivots about the second fulcrum and the first electrical contact is actuated. A second electrical contact is similarly associated with the second distal end and first fulcrum.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/059,753, filed Jun. 7, 2008, and entitled “CANTILEVERED PUSHBUTTON HAVING MULTIPLE CONTACTS AND FULCRUMS,” which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to push buttons, and moreparticularly to the use of cantilevered push buttons on electrical orelectronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Media players, cellular telephones and numerous other electrical orelectronic personal devices or appliances are now ubiquitous. Suchdevices often require ways of inputting information or commands by auser, with resulting features including touch screens, dials, knobs andpush buttons. Such buttons can be part of a keyboard, a 10-key pad, orcan be used in isolation, as desired by a designer. One drawback tousing push buttons as a means for permitting input can be a cluttered orcomplex appearance for the overall device where many such buttons areused.

Cantilevered push buttons, also known as seesaw buttons, are one way ofproviding the functional effect of two buttons while providing a morestreamlined and aesthetically pleasing overall appearance. In such anarrangement, a single elongated outer member effectively serves as twodifferent input buttons. When one end is pushed, a first innerelectrical contact is actuated, and when the other end is pushed, asecond and separate inner electrical contact is made. It is usually notpossible to actuate both buttons at the same time with many truecantilevered push buttons.

Such cantilevered or seesaw push buttons typically pivot about a centralfulcrum, such that when one end is pushed in by a user to actuate itsrespective button contact, the other end actually rises upward or awayfrom the rest of the device. Although the actual distances traveled bysuch cantilevered buttons when actuated can be quite small, it can stillbe perceived as somewhat less aesthetically appealing to have opposingends of such cantilevered buttons move away from the device when aparticular end is pushed.

In order to compensate for this issue with button ends or other portionsmoving away from their respective devices, some cantilevered buttons areformed from rubber, soft plastic, or other pliable materials, such thatsome or all of the cantilevered push button flexes to permit thenon-actuated end to be held in place by the device housing or anothermechanical stop while the actuated end is pushed inward. Problems withthis approach can arise, however, when a metal or other less flexiblematerial is used to construct the actual cantilever portion of thebutton itself.

While many designs for cantilevered or seesaw push buttons havegenerally worked well in the past, there is always a desire to provideother cantilever button designs or techniques that can achieve the sameor similar objectives in a reliable fashion while allowing for a greatervariety of possible materials that may also be more aestheticallypleasing.

SUMMARY

It is an advantage of the present invention to provide metallic orotherwise rigid cantilevered push buttons having multiple electricalcontacts that also do not require the non-actuated ends of the buttonsto rise when the actuated ends are pushed inward. This can beaccomplished at least in part through the use of multiple fulcrums aboutwhich the cantilevered push button can pivot, with the fulcrum beingdetermined by which end of the button is pushed.

In various embodiments of the present invention, a cantilevered pushbutton adapted for accepting an input on an electrical or electronicdevice is provided. This cantilevered push button can include anelongated button top component, a first fulcrum, a second fulcrum, afirst electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The elongatedbutton top can have a first distal end associated with a first userinput and a second distal end opposite the first distal end andassociated with a second user input separate from the first user input.The elongated button top component is preferably disposed about anexterior surface of an electrical or electronic device and is accessibleto a user. The first fulcrum can be located at the first distal end orbetween the first distal end and the midpoint of the elongated buttontop component, while the second fulcrum can be located at the seconddistal end or between the second distal end and the midpoint of theelongated button top component. The first electrical contact can beassociated with the first distal end of the elongated button topcomponent, while the second electrical contact can be associated withthe second distal end of the elongated button top component.

When a user presses on the first distal end of the elongated button topcomponent, then the elongated button top component can pivot about thesecond fulcrum and the first electrical contact is actuated. Similarly,when a user presses on the second distal end of the elongated button topcomponent, then the elongated button top component pivots about thefirst fulcrum and the second electrical contact is actuated. In variousembodiments, both of the first and second distal ends can be actuatedsimultaneously by a user during ordinary use of the device, and suchsimultaneous actuation can result in the entire cantilevered push buttonbeing pressed inward toward the device.

In some embodiments of this cantilevered push button, the first fulcrumcan be located at the second electrical contact, and/or the secondfulcrum can be located at the first electrical contact. Alternatively,the first fulcrum can be located at one distal end and the secondfulcrum can be located at another distal end of the cantilevered pushbutton. Although an optimal location for a fulcrum is at a distal end,any location that is significantly far away from the midpoint of thebutton is preferable. Further, although the fulcrums can be located anequal distance from the midpoint of the button, this is not necessary.Additional fulcrums may also be used, as may be desired for a givendesign. In particular, one fulcrum per button input is thought to bebest. For example, a cantilevered button with four inputs can have fourdifferent fulcrums, with one fulcrum for each separate input.

In various embodiments, the elongated button top may be comprised of asubstantially rigid material, such as a metal, hard plastic, or otherinflexible material. In addition, the first and second electricalcontacts can comprise dome button type electrical contacts, which may bepreloaded with a positive upward force. The various foregoing featurescan all be included or only partially included in any desiredcombination for a given cantilevered push button.

In further embodiments of the present invention, an electrical orelectronic device can include a housing adapted to contain one or moreinternal electrical device components therein, one or more userinterface regions, and a cantilevered push button located at one of theuser interface regions and adapted for accepting one or more inputs onsaid electrical device, with the cantilevered push button being any ofthe cantilevered push buttons described above. In the event of anelectronic device, a processor located within the housing may beincluded, and the user interface region or regions can be incommunication with the processor. A plurality of cantilevered pushbuttons may also be used on such a device, and may be placed at one ormultiple user interface regions.

Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the inventionwill be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only toprovide examples of possible structures and arrangements for thedisclosed inventive apparatuses and methods for providing cantileveredbuttons having multiple contacts and fulcrums. These drawings in no waylimit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the inventionby one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates in side perspective view an exemplary cantileveredbutton along the side of an outer housing for an associated cellulartelephone.

FIG. 2A illustrates in side elevation and partially cutaway view anexemplary cantilevered button according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2B illustrates in side elevation and partially cutaway view aclose-up of one end of the exemplary cantilevered button of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C illustrates in side cross-sectional view the exemplarycantilevered button of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A illustrates in side elevation and partially cutaway view theexemplary cantilevered button of FIG. 2A with the left end actuatedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates in side cross-sectional view the exemplarycantilevered button of FIG. 3A with the left end actuated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary applications of apparatuses and methods according to thepresent invention are described in this section. These examples arebeing provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of theinvention. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that thepresent invention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process steps have not beendescribed in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention. Other applications are possible, such that thefollowing examples should not be taken as limiting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the presentinvention. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detailto enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, it isunderstood that these examples are not limiting; such that otherembodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention relates in various embodiments to the implementation anduse of cantilevered push buttons as input mechanisms on electricaldevices. Such a device can be, for example, an electronic device, suchas an iPod® media player or iPhone® cellular telephone made by AppleInc., as well as a PDA, handheld game or video game controller, radio,miniature television, keyboard, or any other electrical or electronicdevice that uses push buttons for user input.

In various embodiments of the present invention, a cantilevered pushbutton having multiple contacts and multiple fulcrums is provided. Thecantilevered push button can be adapted such that different fulcrums areused to pivot the button depending upon which end or portion of thebutton is pressed. In this manner, the overall motion and reactivedisplacement of the button can be controlled, even where metal or otherrigid materials are used to construct the user portion of the button.The overall effect, look and feel can generally be more aestheticallypleasing to the user.

Referring first to FIG. 1, an exemplary cantilevered button along theside of an outer housing for an associated cellular telephone is shownin side perspective view. Cellular telephone housing 10 can includevarious protrusions, ports and features, as will be readily appreciated.For example, a hole or recess along the side of housing 10 can be madefor cantilevered push button 100. Such a button 100 can have a firstdistal end 101 and a second distal end 102, as well as a midpoint orcenter 103. Each of distal ends 101, 102 can be adapted to actuate anassociated button or electrical contact within the device when they aredepressed or otherwise used. Although shown on the side of a cellulartelephone, there are many suitable locations for such cantileveredbuttons, and numerous other types of devices can feature such a buttonor buttons, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Moving next to FIG. 2A, an exemplary cantilevered button according toone embodiment of the present invention is illustrates in side elevationand partially cutaway view. As noted above, cantilevered push button 100can be embedded within a hole or other recess in housing 10. Anelongated button top component 100 can include opposing distal ends 101,102, and a midpoint or center 103. First distal end 101 can beassociated with a first internal button or electrical contact 121 insidethe device, while second distal end 102 can be associated with a secondinternal button or electrical contact 122 inside the device. Theelongated button top component 100 is generally outside or about thedevice and exposed to a user, while an internal elongated button base104 can be attached or otherwise coupled to the elongated button topcomponent. One or more protrusions 111 in the elongated button basecomponent 104 can be adapted to help actuate the electrical contacts121, as will be readily appreciated.

FIG. 2B illustrates in side elevation and partially cutaway view aclose-up of the right end of the exemplary cantilevered button of FIG.2A. As shown, distal end 102 is disposed directly above internal buttonor electrical contact 122. Internal button or electrical contact can be,for example, a pre-loaded dome type button or other suitable electricalcontact device, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in theart. When a user presses downward on or about end 102, the button topcomponent 100 generally depresses downward at distal end 102 and in thedirection of electrical contact 122. This forces the portion of buttonbase 104 directly beneath end 102 downward as well, such that protrusion112 presses on the top 132 of button or electrical contact 122, and thissecond “button” or electrical contact is thereby actuated. For thisprocess of actuating second button or contact 122 by depressing seconddistal end 102, the actual fulcrum is at the other end of thecantilevered button and is not shown in FIG. 2B. In the event that theother end of the cantilevered button is depressed to activate the otherelectrical contact (both not shown in FIG. 2B), then the cantileverpivots about contact 122 (i.e., axis 141). This process is made possibledue to the gap between button base 104 and internal structure 133.

FIG. 2C illustrates in side cross-sectional view the exemplarycantilevered button of FIG. 2A. Again, pressing at end 101 actuatescontact 121, while pressing at end 102 actuates contact 122. However,the fulcrum is different for each of these different actuations. In theevent that end 101 is pressed, then the fulcrum is along contact 122(i.e., axis 141), while if end 102 is pressed, then the fulcrum is atcontact 121 (i.e., axis 142). Since button base 104 is effectivelyseparated from internal structure 133, the effective mechanical contactpoints between the elongated button top and base and the internalstructure are at the internal buttons or electrical contacts 121 and122. Thus, when a mechanical downward force is applied at one end aboveone electrical contact, the effective fulcrum is at the other electricalcontact at the other end. The result is that multiple fulcrums are usedwith the overall cantilevered button, such that the opposite end doesnot perceptively extend away from the device when one end is pushedinward to activate its button.

While not necessary in order for the cantilevered push button toeffectively have multiple fulcrums, the spring loaded internal button ateach end aids in providing more rigidity and support to the overalldevice. That is, when end 101 (and thus button or contact 121) is pusheddownward, the spring loaded force on contact or button 122 generallydisposes end 102 to remain up and steady while button 122 is the fulcrumfor the entire elongated button top component 100. Although it isthought that the top of the dome of a spring loaded dome type buttonmakes an excellent location for a fulcrum, other locations are alsopossible, as will be readily appreciated. In fact, any location at adistal end or between one distal end of the cantilevered push button andits center or midpoint could be suitable for a fulcrum when the otherdistal end is being pressed or actuated.

As will be readily appreciated, the farther a fulcrum is away from themidpoint or center of the button, the better the effect will be as faras minimal movement of the opposite end when a particular end ispressed. Thus, an optimal location for a fulcrum can actually be at theopposite end of the button from the end that is being pressed oractuated. Conversely, a fulcrum location that is at or close to themidpoint of the button can be less desirable, although not impossible toimplement in a particular design. As shown in the exemplaryillustrations provided, the fulcrums used are near the distal ends ofthe cantilevered push button, with the results of such locations beingfavorable.

Also, it should be noted that the exemplary design illustrated anddescribed herein utilized “soft” fulcrums, in that the fulcrums doprovide resistance and are effective in ordinary use, but can bedefeated if desired in a particular way. That is, each dome loadedelectrical contact provides sufficient resistance to function as afulcrum when the opposite end is pressed or actuated, but will notprovide enough resistance to be a rigid “hard” fulcrum if force is alsoplaced generally above it at the same time. Because a “hard” orpermanent central or midpoint fulcrum is not physically present oncantilevered button 100, it is possible to depress both ends 101, 102 toactuate both internal buttons or electrical contacts 121, 122simultaneously. In such instances, such simultaneous actuation resultsin the entire cantilevered push button being pressed inward toward itsrespective electrical or electronic device. This feature provides anadditional advantage over traditional or customary cantilever buttons,in that most such devices do not permit both buttons at both ends to beactuated simultaneously. Accordingly, the respective electrical orelectronic device can be designed or programmed to accept and act uponsimultaneous inputs from multiple inputs on a single cantileveredbutton.

Continuing now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the exemplary cantilevered button ofFIG. 2A is shown with the left end actuated according to one embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 3A depicts a side elevation and partiallycutaway view, while FIG. 3B depicts a side cross-sectional view. Asillustrated, distal end 101 has been pressed downward such thatprotrusion 111 has activated button or electrical contact 121 directlybelow distal end 101. The fulcrum for the entire cantilevered button 100for this actuation is effectively button or electrical contact 122 atthe opposite end, with rotation generally being about a point atop thedome of contact 122 (i.e., along axis 141). Of course, the overalldevice can be substantially symmetrical in nature, such that the samerelationships and results can be had for depressing distal end 102.

Again, because the fulcrum is moved away from the midpoint or center ofthe cantilevered button, any resulting motion rise of the opposite endis eliminated or substantially reduced when either end is pressed. Thisis true even where the upper portion of the cantilevered button is arigid material, such as a metal, hard plastic or other inflexiblematerial. As will be appreciated, such an ability provides designerswith added flexibility in their choices for materials and appearances inthe design and presentation of cantilevered push buttons that are fullyfunctional and aesthetically pleasing in appearance and use.

It should be noted that although the fulcrums in the examples providedabove are generally located an equal distance from the midpoint of thebutton, this is not absolutely necessary. For example, a particulardesign might favor one fulcrum being located at a distal end, andanother fulcrum being located halfway between the other distal end andthe midpoint of the button, or even closer to the midpoint.

Furthermore, although the foregoing examples all use a relatively simplecantilevered button with only two inputs on opposing ends, more complexbuttons with additional fulcrums may also be used, as may be desired fora given design. For example, a four-way cantilevered button having fourinputs and four fulcrums may be used. In such a design, the button topcomponent may be shaped like a cross and may have a fulcrum thatcorresponds to each of the four different inputs at each distal end ofthe cross. Alternatively, the button top could be shaped like a circle,with inputs similarly at the “north,” “west,” “south” and “east”coordinates of the circle. The use of a simple single user input on sucha button (e.g., “north”) could result in a pivoting about an opposingfulcrum (e.g., “south”), similar to the two input elongated cantileveredpush button in the foregoing examples. In such an embodiment, thesimultaneous actuation of two adjacent inputs (e.g., north and east),could result in the simultaneous pivoting about the two opposingfulcrums for those inputs (e.g., south and west). Similar to theforegoing two input button embodiments, a cantilevered push buttonhaving four or more inputs could also have “soft” fulcrums, such thatthe entire button and all inputs could be actuated at once. As will bereadily appreciated, further designs and additional inputs for even morecomplex cantilevered buttons having multiple fulcrums could also be usedwithin the spirit of the present invention.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way ofillustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, itwill be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied innumerous other specific variations and embodiments without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Forexample, although many illustrations have pointed to the use of metal asthe material for the cantilevered push button, a rigid and inflexibleplastic or other material may alternatively be used. Multiple materialsmay also be used to form the button. Other changes and modifications maybe practiced, and it is understood that the invention is not to belimited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cantilevered push button adapted for acceptingone or more inputs on an electrical or electronic device, comprising: abutton top component having a first distal end associated with a firstuser input and a second distal end opposite said first distal end andassociated with a second user input separate from said first user input,wherein said button top component is disposed about an exterior surfaceof an electrical or electronic device and is accessible to a user, andwherein both of said first and second distal ends can be actuatedsimultaneously by a user during ordinary use of said electrical orelectronic device; a first fulcrum located at said first distal end orbetween said first distal end and the midpoint of said button topcomponent; a second fulcrum located at said second distal end or betweensaid second distal end and said midpoint of said button top component; afirst electrical contact associated with said first distal end of saidbutton top component, wherein said button top component pivots aboutsaid second fulcrum and said first electrical contact is actuated when auser presses on said first distal end; and a second electrical contactassociated with said second distal end of said button top component,wherein said button top component pivots about said first fulcrum andsaid second electrical contact is actuated when a user presses on saidsecond distal end.
 2. The cantilevered push button of claim 1, whereinsaid first fulcrum is located at said second electrical contact.
 3. Thecantilevered push button of claim 2, wherein said second fulcrum islocated at said first electrical contact.
 4. The cantilevered pushbutton of claim 1, wherein said button top component is comprised of asubstantially rigid material.
 5. The cantilevered push button of claim4, wherein said button top component is metal.
 6. The cantilevered pushbutton of claim 1, wherein said first fulcrum is located at said firstdistal end and said second fulcrum is located at said second distal end.7. The cantilevered push button of claim 1, wherein said first andsecond electrical contacts comprise dome button type electricalcontacts.
 8. The cantilevered push button of claim 7, wherein said domebutton type electrical contacts are preloaded with a positive upwardforce.
 9. The cantilevered push button of claim 1, wherein saidsimultaneous actuation results in the entire cantilevered push buttonbeing pressed inward toward said electrical or electronic device. 10.The cantilevered push button of claim 1, wherein said button topcomponent is adapted to be disposed through an opening of and notcontact a housing of said electrical or electronic device.
 11. Anelectrical device, comprising: a housing adapted to contain one or moreinternal electrical device components therein; one or more userinterface regions; and a cantilevered push button located at one of saidone or more user interface regions and adapted for accepting one or moreinputs on said electrical device, wherein said cantilevered push buttonincludes an elongated button top component having a first distal endassociated with a first user input and a second distal end opposite saidfirst distal end and associated with a second user input separate fromsaid first user input, wherein said elongated button top component isdisposed about an exterior surface of an electrical or electronic deviceand is accessible to a user, and wherein both of said first and seconddistal ends can be actuated simultaneously by a user during ordinary useof said electrical device, a first fulcrum located at said first distalend or between said first distal end and the midpoint of said elongatedbutton top component, a second fulcrum located at said second distal endor between said second distal end and said midpoint of said elongatedbutton top component; a first electrical contact associated with saidfirst distal end of said elongated button top component, wherein saidelongated button top component pivots about said second fulcrum and saidfirst electrical contact is actuated when a user presses on said firstdistal end, and a second electrical contact associated with said seconddistal end of said elongated button top component, wherein saidelongated button top component pivots about said first fulcrum and saidsecond electrical contact is actuated when a user presses on said seconddistal end.
 12. The electrical device of claim 11, wherein saidelectrical device comprises an electronic device.
 13. The electricaldevice of claim 11, wherein said first fulcrum is located at said secondelectrical contact.
 14. The electrical device of claim 13, wherein saidsecond fulcrum is located at said first electrical contact.
 15. Theelectrical device of claim 11, wherein said elongated button topcomponent is comprised of a substantially rigid material.
 16. Theelectrical device of claim 11, wherein said first and second electricalcontacts comprise dome button type electrical contacts.
 17. Theelectrical device of claim 11, wherein said simultaneous actuationresults in the entire cantilevered push button being pressed inwardtoward said electrical device.
 18. The electrical device of claim 11,wherein said elongated button top component is disposed through anopening in said housing and does not contact said housing.
 19. Anelectronic device, comprising: a housing adapted to contain one or moreinternal electrical device components therein; a processor locatedwithin said housing; one or more user interface regions having one ormore user interface components in communication with said processor; andone or more cantilevered push buttons located at at least one of saidone or more user interface regions and adapted for accepting a pluralityof inputs on said electronic device, wherein each of said one or morecantilevered push buttons includes an elongated button top componenthaving a first distal end associated with a first user input and asecond distal end opposite said first distal end and associated with asecond user input separate from said first user input, wherein saidelongated button top component is disposed through an opening in saidhousing, does not contact said housing, and is accessible to a user, afirst fulcrum and a second fulcrum about which said elongated button toppivots when actuated by a user, a first electrical contact associatedwith said first distal end of said elongated button top component,wherein said elongated button top component pivots about said secondfulcrum and said first electrical contact is actuated when a userpresses on said first distal end, and a second electrical contactassociated with said second distal end of said elongated button topcomponent, wherein said elongated button top component pivots about saidfirst fulcrum and said second electrical contact is actuated when a userpresses on said second distal end.
 20. The electronic device of claim19, wherein both of said first and second distal ends can be actuatedsimultaneously by a user during ordinary use of said electronic device.